by Rev. Paula Richards

True Authority #18/2014

To illustrate a point in his book, Launch, author Jeff Walker tells a short story about being stuck in a traffic jam in a parking lot with three of his high school friends. He says, “There were so many cars trying to get out the exit that no one was moving at all. One of my friends, who understood a lot more about authority than I did, found a flashlight rolling around on the floor of the car and immediately knew what to do. He jumped out of the car, turned on the flashlight, and started directing traffic. Actually, he didn’t really direct traffic; he mostly just walked in front of our car and waved us forward through the congestion. Seeing the flashlight’s beam, other drivers made way for our personal “traffic director” and we drove right out of the parking lot. The only authority he had to direct traffic came from the flashlight. But people saw that flashlight, and they assumed he was in a position of authority.”

What struck me about this story was the line, The only authority he had to direct traffic came from the flashlight. My thought was that, the only time we truly have authority to assume a leadership role is when we are shining our light. Then, we have both the authority and the ability to walk out in front of the crowd, waving them forward through the congestion of their lives. We don’t have to stay stuck. We just need to remember to let our light lead the way.

Let your spirit soar!

Paula

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4 Responses

Love it! I think I used that today with one of my first customers who said right off the bat that he had a major problem. In the past when people would say this to me I would almost cringe and think great now I’ve got a person and his problems. (Interesting just noticed the auto correct put in the word “bless”)
Bless I need to deal with. I would sometimes go in panic mode. Today and more days now I just think there really is no problem that can not be fixed because there are no problems! He went on about monies he found out he owed us etc. then about how he had just come into some money himself and knew as soon as he got it it wouldn’t be good, his car had broken down, other things broke, his coffee pot etc. he was talking about all these negative things around money. I let him share and assured him we would find out what the issue was and help him rectify it. He had to go to his other bank to get the funds and come back to pay it off. When he came back he wasn’t as upset but did continue to say how he just knew that the money even though owed to him a long time ago (veteran ) it seemed in eyes to bring more problems. So I started to say well think of it this way the money came at the right time it’s there for you now to fix the things and pay off his debt which he said he would now be debt free! Also he would be able to give to family (his words) funny thing was about his coffee pot that broke on his way out I said now you can buy a new one and I know his attitude had shifted because he was getting all excited about the new model he would buy. He was smiling and happy when he left so I’m hoping he also saw the light in the whole situation because he was laughing now and sharing about his family etc.

Do you mind if I share what you wrote on my page? I have been sharing my cards a day or thoughts and I feel this is a great one to share with others:)